What is the 'roofing scam'?

[RalphTheElder]

I have read of a 'roofing scam' (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/how-can-we-solve-insurance-problem-florida-343938/?highlight=homeowner%27s+insurance+premium) as though it is a well-known thing, but I don't know what it is.

Could someone please enlighten me?

TIA!

- Potential Future Resident of TV

[Robnlaura]

They come and inspect your roof then ask you to assign the benefits to them. As usual it’s a scam.. what’s new these days.. most company’s are flat out scam artists. Welcome to Covid

[Stu from NYC]

They have never inspected a roof without telling you that you have a damaged one.

[Randall55]

I have read of a 'roofing scam' (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/how-can-we-solve-insurance-problem-florida-343938/?highlight=homeowner%27s+insurance+premium) as though it is a well-known thing, but I don't know what it is.

Could someone please enlighten me?

TIA!

- Potential Future Resident of TVIt goes something like this. A week ago, the weather was windy. Not during a hurricane, simple windy weather.

A roofer knocks on your door. "Hey, my team just finished putting a new roof on your neighbor's home. The windy weather last week destroyed the shingles. If you want, I will check your roof. No cost to you! "

You are puzzled and respond. "My roof is only ten years old. I doubt anything is wrong with it."

Roofer explains it is better to be safe than sorry. I have my ladders on the truck, I'll check it for you, if you'd like.

You are now worried. Since it is no cost you allow him on your roof.

Ten minutes later, the roofer explains why you need a new roof. That windy weather caused damage to your home too.

"Are you sure?" You ask. "It's supposed to. be. good for thirty years."

"Yeah, this happens frequently. But, as long as you have homeowners insurance, your policy will pay for it. I can check for you. Just give me your insurance information and I will call them."

Yada yada, yada....the homeowner gets a new roof paid in full by the insurance company.

While his workers are finishing the roof, the owner knocks on the door next door. Wouldn't you know? That windy weather destroyed that roof too!

The roofer puts on 5 or 6 new roofs in the neighborhood, then moves on. All the roofs were paid in full by the insurance companies.

This scam happens frequently with HVAC, as well. Darn it! Your system was struck by lightening. Needs replacing! But don't worry, the insurance company will pay for it.

I know of one man who convinced an eldely widow who bought a smaller home she needed a water heater. He couldn't understand why anyone would remove it from the garage and not replace it. The widow paid for a new water heater. There was nothing wrong with hers. She had a tankless water heater outdoors. The widow had no clue.

[JRcorvette]

They have never inspected a roof without telling you that you have a damaged one.

I had a leak and knew were it was coming (around a vent). So I went to Lowes and got some roofing caulk and went up on the roof and caulked around the vent. Good thing these roofs are not very steep. At 75 I don’t like getting up on roofs anymore but as a retired property adjuster I have been on many hundreds of roof. I had a roofing contractor that had many good recommendations to come out and inspect the roof. They said it looked fine (which I knew) but I needed to replace that vent because the Village builders use very cheap vents. This is a vent for an outdoor kitchen and was not installed by the Villages. The vent is just fine. The contractor said it would cost $350 to replace it with a new good one!

I can see a need for a business that just does roof inspections and does not sell roofing. An experienced person who would charge a reasonable fee to look over your roof… maybe $50-100.

[Stu from NYC]

I had a leak and knew were it was coming (around a vent). So I went to Lowes and got some roofing caulk and went up on the roof and caulked around the vent. Good thing these roofs are not very steep. At 75 I don’t like getting up on roofs anymore but as a retired property adjuster I have been on many hundreds of roof. I had a roofing contractor that had many good recommendations to come out and inspect the roof. They said it looked fine (which I knew) but I needed to replace that vent because the Village builders use very cheap vents. This is a vent for an outdoor kitchen and was not installed by the Villages. The vent is just fine. The contractor said it would cost $350 to replace it with a new good one!

I can see a need for a business that just does roof inspections and does not sell roofing. An experienced person who would charge a reasonable fee to look over your roof… maybe $50-100.

You might well be on to something.

[Stu from NYC]

It goes something like this. A week ago, the weather was windy. Not during a hurricane, simple windy weather.

A roofer knocks on your door. "Hey, my team just finished putting a new roof on your neighbor's home. The windy weather last week destroyed the shingles. If you want, I will check your roof. No cost to you! "

You are puzzled and respond. "My roof is only ten years old. I doubt anything is wrong with it."

Roofer explains it is better to be safe than sorry. I have my ladders on the truck, I'll check it for you, if you'd like.

You are now worried. Since it is no cost you allow him on your roof.

Ten minutes later, the roofer explains why you need a new roof. That windy weather caused damage to your home too.

"Are you sure?" You ask. "It's supposed to. be. good for thirty years."

"Yeah, this happens frequently. But, as long as you have homeowners insurance, your policy will pay for it. I can check for you. Just give me your insurance information and I will call them."

Yada yada, yada....the homeowner gets a new roof paid in full by the insurance company.

While his workers are finishing the roof, the owner knocks on the door next door. Wouldn't you know? That windy weather destroyed that roof too!

The roofer puts on 5 or 6 new roofs in the neighborhood, then moves on. All the roofs were paid in full by the insurance companies.

This scam happens frequently with HVAC, as well. Darn it! Your system was struck by lightening. Needs replacing! But don't worry, the insurance company will pay for it.

I know of one man who convinced an eldely widow who bought a smaller home she needed a water heater. He couldn't understand why anyone would remove it from the garage and not replace it. The widow paid for a new water heater. There was nothing wrong with hers. She had a tankless water heater outdoors. The widow had no clue.

Spot on. The rest of the story is the insurance companies decides to head off more of these claims and refused to reinsure a house unless you put in a new roof at your expense. On top of that raises everyones rates to pay for the free roofs.

[Arctic Fox]

There are two, unrelated, roofing scams.

In the first, someone will inspect your roof "for free" and tell you it needs repairs when it doesn't. This will be at your expense.

In the second, they will tell you that you need a whole new roof. Often they can get the insurance company to cover this.

The second has been accelerated by some insurance companies refusing to insure a roof over 20 years old, so it has been hard for them to deny that older roofs may need replacing due to wind damage over the years. A vicious circle for which they are partly responsible.

[pdp07]

Maybe insurance companies should prorate the life expectancy of roofs. A 30 year roof that is 15 years old, they pay 1/2 you pay 1/2.

[Tavernierlady]

I was just walking my neighborhood, the new section of village of Charlotte, and noticed on rabbit run six homes out of 13 had assigned roofing by skylight roofing. These homes must be less than 10 years old. This sounds like a scam to me.

[Gladys Turnip]

It goes something like this. A week ago, the weather was windy. Not during a hurricane, simple windy weather.

A roofer knocks on your door. "Hey, my team just finished putting a new roof on your neighbor's home. The windy weather last week destroyed the shingles. If you want, I will check your roof. No cost to you! "

You are puzzled and respond. "My roof is only ten years old. I doubt anything is wrong with it."

Roofer explains it is better to be safe than sorry. I have my ladders on the truck, I'll check it for you, if you'd like.

You are now worried. Since it is no cost you allow him on your roof.

Ten minutes later, the roofer explains why you need a new roof. That windy weather caused damage to your home too.

"Are you sure?" You ask. "It's supposed to. be. good for thirty years."

"Yeah, this happens frequently. But, as long as you have homeowners insurance, your policy will pay for it. I can check for you. Just give me your insurance information and I will call them."

Yada yada, yada....the homeowner gets a new roof paid in full by the insurance company.

While his workers are finishing the roof, the owner knocks on the door next door. Wouldn't you know? That windy weather destroyed that roof too!

The roofer puts on 5 or 6 new roofs in the neighborhood, then moves on. All the roofs were paid in full by the insurance companies.

This scam happens frequently with HVAC, as well. Darn it! Your system was struck by lightening. Needs replacing! But don't worry, the insurance company will pay for it.

I know of one man who convinced an eldely widow who bought a smaller home she needed a water heater. He couldn't understand why anyone would remove it from the garage and not replace it. The widow paid for a new water heater. There was nothing wrong with hers. She had a tankless water heater outdoors. The widow had no clue. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Okay, this is really good. That is, like the OP, I also kept hearing about the "roofing scam" and wondered how it worked. And this explanation from Randall55 is excellent, thank you.

But my question is this phrase is Randall55's explanation: "a new roof paid in full by the insurance company."

WHY would the insurance company pay for a new roof without confirming that the roof was in fact damaged? With automobile collision damage the insurance company sends out an adjuster to evaluate the claim. Wouldn't the insurance company do the same thing with an alleged damaged roof? Could someone please explain this. Could the insurance companies really be that dumb? And finally, once this scam became widely known, couldn't (wouldn't) the insurance company put a stop to it by starting to send out adjusters to confirm the damage? Thanks for any insights you might have.

[crash]

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Okay, this is really good. That is, like the OP, I also kept hearing about the "roofing scam" and wondered how it worked. And this explanation from Randall55 is excellent, thank you.

But my question is this phrase is Randall55's explanation: "a new roof paid in full by the insurance company."

WHY would the insurance company pay for a new roof without confirming that the roof was in fact damaged? With automobile collision damage the insurance company sends out an adjuster to evaluate the claim. Wouldn't the insurance company do the same thing with an alleged damaged roof? Could someone please explain this. Could the insurance companies really be that dumb? And finally, once this scam became widely known, couldn't (wouldn't) the insurance company put a stop to it by starting to send out adjusters to confirm the damage? Thanks for any insights you might have.

The roofing company sues the insurance company because it won’t cover the claim. It costs more to defend themselves than the cost of a new roof, welcome to Florida.

[Nacoma]

Here’s the real problem with the roofing scams. In my opinion it’s often not the fault of the homeowner (who wouldn’t want a free roof?) or roofing company scamming homeowners by claiming they need a new roof when they really don’t. The blame is squarely on the insurance companies for choosing not to pay for legal fees to fight theses lawyers the roofing companies have hired. The insurance companies have chosen to just pay for the new roofs and pass the expense off to all of us homeowners by upping our premiums. Insurance companies will always take the least expensive option on any matter when deciding to honor any claims including unfair claims. Rather than paying for expensive legal fees fighting cases they often choose to just pay and pass the expense off to the homeowner by raising insurance premiums. SO; by THEIR DECISIONS ALONE not to to pay for litigation and fight such faults claims as the roofs in Florida your premiums go up or in some cases they just fold up and and move on refusing to operate in your home state anymore.

[ROCKETMAN]

The insurance company sends out their adjuster once the roofing company says you need a new roof. If he says your roof is fine, case closed. In my case the adjuster said I didn’t need one and the roofing company called them back and after a second look the adjuster from Travelers Ins. Said he missed some bad shingles and I would get a new roof. It’s not free, you must pay the deductible.

[jamorela]

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Okay, this is really good. That is, like the OP, I also kept hearing about the "roofing scam" and wondered how it worked. And this explanation from Randall55 is excellent, thank you.

But my question is this phrase is Randall55's explanation: "a new roof paid in full by the insurance company."

WHY would the insurance company pay for a new roof without confirming that the roof was in fact damaged? With automobile collision damage the insurance company sends out an adjuster to evaluate the claim. Wouldn't the insurance company do the same thing with an alleged damaged roof? Could someone please explain this. Could the insurance companies really be that dumb? And finally, once this scam became widely known, couldn't (wouldn't) the insurance company put a stop to it by starting to send out adjusters to confirm the damage? Thanks for any insights you might have.

After a roofing company told me I needed a new roof, My insurance company sent out an independent adjuster from Orlando who went over the roof live with my insurance adjuster remotely.

[Sandy and Ed]

Here’s the real problem with the roofing scams. In my opinion it’s often not the fault of the homeowner (who wouldn’t want a free roof?) or roofing company scamming homeowners by claiming they need a new roof when they really don’t. The blame is squarely on the insurance companies for choosing not to pay for legal fees to fight theses lawyers the roofing companies have hired. The insurance companies have chosen to just pay for the new roofs and pass the expense off to all of us homeowners by upping our premiums. Insurance companies will always take the least expensive option on any matter when deciding to honor any claims including unfair claims. Rather than paying for expensive legal fees fighting cases they often choose to just pay and pass the expense off to the homeowner by raising insurance premiums. SO; by THEIR DECISIONS ALONE not to to pay for litigation and fight such faults claims as the roofs in Florida your premiums go up or in some cases they just fold up and and move on refusing to operate in your home state anymore.
You are, unfortunately, spot on. We, the home owner, are the point of least resistance. I’m blessed having USAA but wonder what will happen when I truly need a new roof. Will they hike my rates? Drop me?? Thus far I’ve told all those scam roofing companies (represented by clean cut nicely attired young men) to pound sand when soliciting me for a new roof. Maybe USAA will break the mold and go after them? I think not

[sowtime444]

When my in-laws bought their home 2 years ago they were told by the insurance companies that because the roof was over 10 years old they couldn't get insurance. So I asked a few neighbors who looked like they had new roofs which contractor they used. They said something like "Oh some guy came by after a storm and asked if we wanted a new roof paid for by the insurance company and I said yes". So now we are all "paying for it".

[NoMo50]

While the "roofing scams" may not have been perpetrated by the insurance companies, they have certainly facilitated the spread of the scams. Insurance companies are under no obligation to pay fraudulent claims. Zero. In fact, the typical insurance contract clearly spells out that fraudulent claims are not covered. But, the companies continued to pay claims they knew were not valid. Because of this, they were/are complicit in the scam.

You must remember, though, that the insurance industry pays out in excess of $100 million to lobbyists at the state and federal levels. These lobbyists work very hard to ensure that you, John Q. Citizen, pay the ultimate cost of any "crisis" endured by the insurance industry.

[MidWestIA]

IF someone contacts you to do work or a service you need to check with pros in that area that you contact - it's probably bogus. And NEVER give your id or finance info to them. They figure us older folks are easy marks.

[Miboater]

While the "roofing scams" may not have been perpetrated by the insurance companies, they have certainly facilitated the spread of the scams. Insurance companies are under no obligation to pay fraudulent claims. Zero. In fact, the typical insurance contract clearly spells out that fraudulent claims are not covered. But, the companies continued to pay claims they knew were not valid. Because of this, they were/are complicit in the scam.

You must remember, though, that the insurance industry pays out in excess of $100 million to lobbyists at the state and federal levels. These lobbyists work very hard to ensure that you, John Q. Citizen, pay the ultimate cost of any "crisis" endured by the insurance industry.

From what I understand happens is the insurance companies will deny the claim and then the attorneys for the roofing company will sue the insurance company. Then the insurance company will settle as it is cheaper than going through the court system.

[seecapecod]

Maybe insurance companies should prorate the life expectancy of roofs. A 30 year roof that is 15 years old, they pay 1/2 you pay 1/2.

That’s what I have with Kin Insurance- couldn’t insure the house otherwise as the age of the roof is 12 years old.

[Randall55]

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Okay, this is really good. That is, like the OP, I also kept hearing about the "roofing scam" and wondered how it worked. And this explanation from Randall55 is excellent, thank you.

But my question is this phrase is Randall55's explanation: "a new roof paid in full by the insurance company."

WHY would the insurance company pay for a new roof without confirming that the roof was in fact damaged? With automobile collision damage the insurance company sends out an adjuster to evaluate the claim. Wouldn't the insurance company do the same thing with an alleged damaged roof? Could someone please explain this. Could the insurance companies really be that dumb? And finally, once this scam became widely known, couldn't (wouldn't) the insurance company put a stop to it by starting to send out adjusters to confirm the damage? Thanks for any insights you might have.The scammers know which insurance companies will pay for an entire roof without argument. They also know which companies will send out an adjuster. In this case, they tell the homeowner, sorry, I spoke to your agent they are not going to cover the entire cost. So, give them a call and we will repair your roof. This way, there will be no cost to you. OR, if a roofing company is desperate for work, they climb back on the roof and cause damage themselves. When the adjuster comes, he sees damage to the roof. Then agrees to pay. This is the reason the roofer asks for your insurance information. You could easily call but he wants to know how to proceed with the scam. Once they know your provider, they finish with your roof before leaving. The scam is good to go!

Like you and I, these guys have bills to pay. They cannot afford to go for months without a roofing job. So, they create the jobs themselves. 5 or 6 roofs in one neighborhood gets their bills paid and then some.

[Marine1974]

Roofs are generally depreciated over time by insurance companies. I believe the insurance company will only pay you 7500 on a 5 year old roof
you paid $10,000 and a deductible.

[JGibson]

From what I understand happens is the insurance companies will deny the claim and then the attorneys for the roofing company will sue the insurance company. Then the insurance company will settle as it is cheaper than going through the court system.

Then maybe it's the legal systems or overpaid attorneys that is at fault for making it so difficult and expensive to defend these fraudulent cases if it's cheaper to pay for a roof than fight the case.

[Randall55]

Roofs are generally depreciated over time by insurance companies. I believe the insurance company will only pay you 7500 on a 5 year old roof
you paid $10,000 and a deductible.Sometimes. Even so, homeowners are willing to go along because the insurance company is footing some of the bill. The homeowner is thrilled to save thousands.

[DiandJay]

As another POV we had a small tornado whip through our neighborhood a few years back. Took off a small section of our roof (and a few of our neighbor’s too). Called in the same company that put our 4 year old roof on when our home was built.
While up on the roof preparing it for the new shingles they discovered that a larger section of it was put on wrong and had to be taken off. Fortunately, we had purchased enough shingles to fix the larger area (per the advice of our insurance company). When the young man told me of the issue, I told him it was their company that had installed the roof when it was built. He apologised and looked embarrassed. They had no idea of making more money as they were simply there to repair our newer roof from storm damage. I told the company’s manager who came by to inspect the work when it was complete. He didn’t look happy or surprised to hear there was apparently a roofing job done wrong on our home during construction.

[MSGirl]

I was just walking my neighborhood, the new section of village of Charlotte, and noticed on rabbit run six homes out of 13 had assigned roofing by skylight roofing. These homes must be less than 10 years old. This sounds like a scam to me.
Those roofs being replaced are due to a manufacturers defect on the shingles. The manufacturer, came out (Certainteed) and checked the shingles and found the defect to be true. Insurance is not involved here. The manufacturer, because of the defect, paid the homeowner direct the cost of labor and new shingles. The homeowner pays the rest.certainteed roofs are under warranty for 10 years.

[Gatorfan1]

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Okay, this is really good. That is, like the OP, I also kept hearing about the "roofing scam" and wondered how it worked. And this explanation from Randall55 is excellent, thank you.

But my question is this phrase is Randall55's explanation: "a new roof paid in full by the insurance company."

WHY would the insurance company pay for a new roof without confirming that the roof was in fact damaged? With automobile collision damage the insurance company sends out an adjuster to evaluate the claim. Wouldn't the insurance company do the same thing with an alleged damaged roof? Could someone please explain this. Could the insurance companies really be that dumb? And finally, once this scam became widely known, couldn't (wouldn't) the insurance company put a stop to it by starting to send out adjusters to confirm the damage? Thanks for any insights you might have.

The insurance adjusters did deny the claim. Since the roofer had the homeowner sign their benefits over to them, they called their attorney who had been waiting and lawsuit filed. Insurance companies had to make a decision. Pay for roof or pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight the claim n court. (Still ended up paying $ 1.7 billion in just over a year) bankrupted company’s and many just packed up and left Florida. The companies that are still in Florida had to raise their premiums because they are insuring a lot more clients and had to build their reserves back for future claims. Think about this, out of 100% claims in US, 70% are filed in Florida.

[Rzepecki]

It’s a scam started by insurance companies about 5 years ago. When your roof is 15 years old, your insurance goes up because of the age of your roof - no matter that it’s a 25-30 year roof. Homeowners got tired of this scam and found a way to make insurance companies pay for their capriciousness. There is no more wear on your roof down here from the heat and the wind (in the middle of the state) than up north with the heat, wind and freezing.

[OhioBuckeye]

There are two, unrelated, roofing scams.

In the first, someone will inspect your roof "for free" and tell you it needs repairs when it doesn't. This will be at your expense.

In the second, they will tell you that you need a whole new roof. Often they can get the insurance company to cover this.

The second has been accelerated by some insurance companies refusing to insure a roof over 20 years old, so it has been hard for them to deny that older roofs may need replacing due to wind damage over the years. A vicious circle for which they are partly responsible.
Honestly, what can you do, we were with Prodential Ins. for several yrs. & they seem to raise our rates every yr. finally I got tired of of it & went to Mercury Ins. then the first yr. after I went with them they raise our premiums to over $700. (this was for Home & Car Ins.) I made up my mind We’re going to switch after 1 yr. what a shame.I know anyone else won’t be any cheaper but I know one thing Mercury isn’t getting extra money from me, I look at it like I don’t get a raise ever yr. on my pension. Just me but I agree this is Ins. company scam. We have a brand new home that’s 4 yrs. old. There’s no reason why we should buy a new roof & a new Water Heater yet. I agree it’s a scam! I know this is what our grandchildren future is!

[Gatorfan1]

Here’s the real problem with the roofing scams. In my opinion it’s often not the fault of the homeowner (who wouldn’t want a free roof?) or roofing company scamming homeowners by claiming they need a new roof when they really don’t. The blame is squarely on the insurance companies for choosing not to pay for legal fees to fight theses lawyers the roofing companies have hired. The insurance companies have chosen to just pay for the new roofs and pass the expense off to all of us homeowners by upping our premiums. Insurance companies will always take the least expensive option on any matter when deciding to honor any claims including unfair claims. Rather than paying for expensive legal fees fighting cases they often choose to just pay and pass the expense off to the homeowner by raising insurance premiums. SO; by THEIR DECISIONS ALONE not to to pay for litigation and fight such faults claims as the roofs in Florida your premiums go up or in some cases they just fold up and and move on refusing to operate in your home state anymore.

Where do they get the money to do what you have stated? Everyone thinks insurance companies have millions of dollars. If you have a home insured for $300,000 that is 10 years old. Original premium first year was $600.00 and each year with up $100.00. Roof claim is $20,000. Legal fees to fight that claim around $100,000 or more. Over a 10 year period you paid less than $20,000 in premium. Company has minimum $80,000 loss. Multiply that by hundreds more homes. $1.7 billion in a little over year. Add inflation cost too. Think about it.

[Gatorfan1]

While the "roofing scams" may not have been perpetrated by the insurance companies, they have certainly facilitated the spread of the scams. Insurance companies are under no obligation to pay fraudulent claims. Zero. In fact, the typical insurance contract clearly spells out that fraudulent claims are not covered. But, the companies continued to pay claims they knew were not valid. Because of this, they were/are complicit in the scam.

You must remember, though, that the insurance industry pays out in excess of $100 million to lobbyists at the state and federal levels. These lobbyists work very hard to ensure that you, John Q. Citizen, pay the ultimate cost of any "crisis" endured by the insurance industry.

You are so wrong

[kkingston57]

They come and inspect your roof then ask you to assign the benefits to them. As usual it’s a scam.. what’s new these days.. most company’s are flat out scam artists. Welcome to Covid

Roof/insurance scams started way before Covid. Became worse in 2020 as roofers found more work after "wind damages" from hurricane IRMA

[kkingston57]

Maybe insurance companies should prorate the life expectancy of roofs. A 30 year roof that is 15 years old, they pay 1/2 you pay 1/2.

Some newer policies are doing this.

[kkingston57]

You are, unfortunately, spot on. We, the home owner, are the point of least resistance. I’m blessed having USAA but wonder what will happen when I truly need a new roof. Will they hike my rates? Drop me?? Thus far I’ve told all those scam roofing companies (represented by clean cut nicely attired young men) to pound sand when soliciting me for a new roof. Maybe USAA will break the mold and go after them? I think not

New laws will make it more likely that an insurance company will try and "fight" those claims. Old laws made it extremely profitable for an attorney to make illegitimate insurance claims and win huge attorney fees.

[kkingston57]

From what I understand happens is the insurance companies will deny the claim and then the attorneys for the roofing company will sue the insurance company. Then the insurance company will settle as it is cheaper than going through the court system.

They settle(under the old laws) because If they lose the lawsuit, they pay the claim, their own attorney, expert and other costs and most importantly they pay the insureds attorney who can/will charge 3-4X more than the insurance companies attorney. Was in the biz. Laws have changed and it will take years for this to work.

[kkingston57]

Roofs are generally depreciated over time by insurance companies. I believe the insurance company will only pay you 7500 on a 5 year old roof
you paid $10,000 and a deductible.

99.9% of the policies will pay the full replacement cost of the roof if there is substantial damages per the policy which need to follow building codes. I was in the adjusting biz for 40+ years

[kkingston57]

The insurance adjusters did deny the claim. Since the roofer had the homeowner sign their benefits over to them, they called their attorney who had been waiting and lawsuit filed. Insurance companies had to make a decision. Pay for roof or pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight the claim n court. (Still ended up paying $ 1.7 billion in just over a year) bankrupted company’s and many just packed up and left Florida. The companies that are still in Florida had to raise their premiums because they are insuring a lot more clients and had to build their reserves back for future claims. Think about this, out of 100% claims in US, 70% are filed in Florida.

Hit the head.

[Topspinmo]

Maybe insurance companies should prorate the life expectancy of roofs. A 30 year roof that is 15 years old, they pay 1/2 you pay 1/2.

All other states I lived in done that. But, I guess florida could not see scam coming. Eventually I. lobbyist hasn’t polished enough door knobs in this area like they do in other areas. ;)

[Topspinmo]

New laws will make it more likely that an insurance company will try and "fight" those claims. Old laws made it extremely profitable for an attorney to make illegitimate insurance claims and win huge attorney fees.

Let’s see? Who makes laws? Lawyers. Who runs laws? Ex or current lawyers. Who 99% get paid wether they win or loose? Lawyers. Who rules over the laws? Lawyers and former lawyers Judges. Who right laws so anything can be argued wether it right or wrong? Lawyers. See where problem lies for citizen Kane? Citizen Kane guilty till he proves himself innocent playing all the lawyers.

[kkingston57]

Here’s the real problem with the roofing scams. In my opinion it’s often not the fault of the homeowner (who wouldn’t want a free roof?) or roofing company scamming homeowners by claiming they need a new roof when they really don’t. The blame is squarely on the insurance companies for choosing not to pay for legal fees to fight theses lawyers the roofing companies have hired. The insurance companies have chosen to just pay for the new roofs and pass the expense off to all of us homeowners by upping our premiums. Insurance companies will always take the least expensive option on any matter when deciding to honor any claims including unfair claims. Rather than paying for expensive legal fees fighting cases they often choose to just pay and pass the expense off to the homeowner by raising insurance premiums. SO; by THEIR DECISIONS ALONE not to to pay for litigation and fight such faults claims as the roofs in Florida your premiums go up or in some cases they just fold up and and move on refusing to operate in your home state anymore.

Politely disagree and I was in the biz. Have relative who specializes in filing homeowners' claims. Person claimed he had roof damage and claimed that roof needed to be replaced ($8,000 roof) Insurance company investigated and believed that the claim was not covered. Homeowner hired my relative to file suit. Homeowner/attorney proved claim. Insurance company paid for the roof(8K plus interest)their attorney costs(about 50K) and homeowners attorney(200K). Laws have been changed but still favor the insured.

[kkingston57]

The insurance company sends out their adjuster once the roofing company says you need a new roof. If he says your roof is fine, case closed. In my case the adjuster said I didn’t need one and the roofing company called them back and after a second look the adjuster from Travelers Ins. Said he missed some bad shingles and I would get a new roof. It’s not free, you must pay the deductible.

IF insurance adjuster says that the roof is fine and the homeowner does not agree, in most cases, case goes into litigation and a jury determines if there is damage unless the homeowner and the insurance company settle the case prior to trial. Insurance companies settle cases as they can loose thousands more than the claim if they do not prevail in a lawsuit. If insured looses the suit insured pays nothing since they usually hire an attorney who gets paid on a contingency basis

[Stu from NYC]

Politely disagree and I was in the biz. Have relative who specializes in filing homeowners' claims. Person claimed he had roof damage and claimed that roof needed to be replaced ($8,000 roof) Insurance company investigated and believed that the claim was not covered. Homeowner hired my relative to file suit. Homeowner/attorney proved claim. Insurance company paid for the roof(8K plus interest)their attorney costs(about 50K) and homeowners attorney(200K). Laws have been changed but still favor the insured.

Seems like someone should reduce the attorney costs to something in line with the cost of the roof.

[Gatorfan1]

There are two, unrelated, roofing scams.

In the first, someone will inspect your roof "for free" and tell you it needs repairs when it doesn't. This will be at your expense.

In the second, they will tell you that you need a whole new roof. Often they can get the insurance company to cover this.

The second has been accelerated by some insurance companies refusing to insure a roof over 20 years old, so it has been hard for them to deny that older roofs may need replacing due to wind damage over the years. A vicious circle for which they are partly responsible.

Then the roofers call their attorney to sue. Homeowner assigned benefits to roofer. Year and half later $ 1.7 billon paid out in claims. Of 100% claims in US, 70% of claims are paid out in Florida.

Companies went bankrupt, many just up and left Florida. State of Florida passed some laws but more needs to be done.

Did I forget to mention the hurricanes and the billions paid out in claims. Add more lawsuits by those who did not have flood insurance suing their homeowners companies for flood damage.

Many say they have 30-50 year shingle warranty. If that is true why are they filing the claim against homeowners insurance company vs warranty company.

[SkylightRoofing]

Friendly Advice From SkyLight Roofing Villagers:

Please get your information correct before making assumptions please.

We received over 35 direct messages to assist with clarification on your presumption from previous message (We appreciate those Villagers bringing this to our attention as we are an honest Villages roofer conducting top-quality business services for all Villagers).

The many homes being replaced in Charlotte, Dunedin, Lake Deaton, Collier, Gilchrist, Etc are under a 10-year warranty from Manufacturer (CertainTeed) and SkyLight Roofing Villages has been tasked to assist with these developments over the course of the last year and a half.

The aggregate (granular) was cooled too quickly on the asphalt laminate so this caused a rapid decrease in granular accumulation on fiber asphalt mat. We are also FL licensed adjusters and work closely with manufacturers (Owens Corning and CertainTeed) as The Villages warranty dept immediately defers homeowners (Villages) right back to have roofs assessed in an honest manner (Remember, these are warranty inspections and not insurance scams).

If your roof is between Osceola Hills and Collier and between 8-10.5 years of age with algae streaks and granular masses have accumulated in gutter or clean out (French drains), then you too should get an honest assessment from SkyLight Roofing Villages: 352-552-4766

Let us repeat: This is not a scam, fraud, or insurance related and we would kindly appreciate folks thinking about what they post before they decide to type.

We are an honest Villages roofer and have been for many years. We also are first responders, woman owned, support The Villages charities, and we live here.

Free “Zero Pressure or Sales Estimates and Honest Roofing Inspections”:

352-552-4766 or 888-520-0363

Overview and insights:

• Woman owned business
• Free estimates with zero pressure
• Competitive pricing and financing
• Hundreds of current referrals
• No subcontractors
• 12-OSHA10 Crews/Supervisors.
• Full FL CGC / CCC licensed & displayed on all our hardware and equipment.
• Workmans Comp (Full)
• County Permits always applied for with 3-Inspections on each installation.
• Photo and Video log on every install
• Everyone receives “Top Grade” Architectural Shingle (No Tier-Selling)
• Platinum Preferred FL Contractor Roofing Installation In 2023.

https://skylightroofing.com/the-villages/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/roofing-438/skylight-roofing-328367/

https://nextdoor.com/pages/sky-light-roofing-inc-the-villages-fl/

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/skylightroofing.com

https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/contractors/contractor-profile/216266

https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/orlando/profile/roofing-contractors/sky-light-roofing-inc-0733-90201209

Trusted because our loving Villages neighbors voted Skylight Roofing Villages the “Favorite Roofer in The Villages” in 2023. We have humbly looked to achieve that same goal for best price and quality in 2024.
__________________

Brent Maloy - Senior Villages Roofing Management - Skylight Roofing Villages, FL - 407-790-6755





Those roofs being replaced are due to a manufacturers defect on the shingles. The manufacturer, came out (Certainteed) and checked the shingles and found the defect to be true. Insurance is not involved here. The manufacturer, because of the defect, paid the homeowner direct the cost of labor and new shingles. The homeowner pays the rest.certainteed roofs are under warranty for 10 years.

[Randall55]

Friendly Advice From SkyLight Roofing Villagers:

Please get your information correct before making assumptions please.

We received over 35 direct messages to assist with clarification on your presumption from previous message (We appreciate those Villagers bringing this to our attention as we are an honest Villages roofer conducting top-quality business services for all Villagers).

The many homes being replaced in Charlotte, Dunedin, Lake Deaton, Collier, Gilchrist, Etc are under a 10-year warranty from Manufacturer (CertainTeed) and SkyLight Roofing Villages has been tasked to assist with these developments over the course of the last year and a half.

The aggregate (granular) was cooled too quickly on the asphalt laminate so this caused a rapid decrease in granular accumulation on fiber asphalt mat. We are also FL licensed adjusters and work closely with manufacturers (Owens Corning and CertainTeed) as The Villages warranty dept immediately defers homeowners (Villages) right back to have roofs assessed in an honest manner (Remember, these are warranty inspections and not insurance scams).

If your roof is between Osceola Hills and Collier and between 8-10.5 years of age with algae streaks and granular masses have accumulated in gutter or clean out (French drains), then you too should get an honest assessment from SkyLight Roofing Villages: 352-552-4766

Let us repeat: This is not a scam, fraud, or insurance related and we would kindly appreciate folks thinking about what they post before they decide to type.

We are an honest Villages roofer and have been for many years. We also are first responders, woman owned, support The Villages charities, and we live here.

Free “Zero Pressure or Sales Estimates and Honest Roofing Inspections”:

352-552-4766 or 888-520-0363

Overview and insights:

• Woman owned business
• Free estimates with zero pressure
• Competitive pricing and financing
• Hundreds of current referrals
• No subcontractors
• 12-OSHA10 Crews/Supervisors.
• Full FL CGC / CCC licensed & displayed on all our hardware and equipment.
• Workmans Comp (Full)
• County Permits always applied for with 3-Inspections on each installation.
• Photo and Video log on every install
• Everyone receives “Top Grade” Architectural Shingle (No Tier-Selling)
• Platinum Preferred FL Contractor Roofing Installation In 2023.

The Villages - Skylight Roofing Inc. (https://skylightroofing.com/the-villages/)

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/roofing-438/skylight-roofing-328367/

Sky Light Roofing, Inc. - Lady Lake, FL - Nextdoor (https://nextdoor.com/pages/sky-light-roofing-inc-the-villages-fl/)

Sky Light Roofing Inc. Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of skylightroofing.com (https://www.trustpilot.com/review/skylightroofing.com)

Sky Light Roofing, INC | Roofing Contractor | Owens Corning (https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/contractors/contractor-profile/216266)

https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/orlando/profile/roofing-contractors/sky-light-roofing-inc-0733-90201209

Trusted because our loving Villages neighbors voted Skylight Roofing Villages the “Favorite Roofer in The Villages” in 2023. We have humbly looked to achieve that same goal for best price and quality in 2024.
__________________

Brent Maloy - Senior Villages Roofing Management - Skylight Roofing Villages, FL - 407-790-6755The OP question was what is the roofing scam. It MOST CERTAINLY does exist. Homeowners should understand that it DOES occur.

The warranty problem is a different issue entirely. Thanks for the detailed clarification.

[Randall55]

Friendly Advice From SkyLight Roofing Villagers:

Please get your information correct before making assumptions please.

We received over 35 direct messages to assist with clarification on your presumption from previous message (We appreciate those Villagers bringing this to our attention as we are an honest Villages roofer conducting top-quality business services for all Villagers).

The many homes being replaced in Charlotte, Dunedin, Lake Deaton, Collier, Gilchrist, Etc are under a 10-year warranty from Manufacturer (CertainTeed) and SkyLight Roofing Villages has been tasked to assist with these developments over the course of the last year and a half.

The aggregate (granular) was cooled too quickly on the asphalt laminate so this caused a rapid decrease in granular accumulation on fiber asphalt mat. We are also FL licensed adjusters and work closely with manufacturers (Owens Corning and CertainTeed) as The Villages warranty dept immediately defers homeowners (Villages) right back to have roofs assessed in an honest manner (Remember, these are warranty inspections and not insurance scams).

If your roof is between Osceola Hills and Collier and between 8-10.5 years of age with algae streaks and granular masses have accumulated in gutter or clean out (French drains), then you too should get an honest assessment from SkyLight Roofing Villages: 352-552-4766

Let us repeat: This is not a scam, fraud, or insurance related and we would kindly appreciate folks thinking about what they post before they decide to type.

We are an honest Villages roofer and have been for many years. We also are first responders, woman owned, support The Villages charities, and we live here.

Free “Zero Pressure or Sales Estimates and Honest Roofing Inspections”:

352-552-4766 or 888-520-0363

Overview and insights:

• Woman owned business
• Free estimates with zero pressure
• Competitive pricing and financing
• Hundreds of current referrals
• No subcontractors
• 12-OSHA10 Crews/Supervisors.
• Full FL CGC / CCC licensed & displayed on all our hardware and equipment.
• Workmans Comp (Full)
• County Permits always applied for with 3-Inspections on each installation.
• Photo and Video log on every install
• Everyone receives “Top Grade” Architectural Shingle (No Tier-Selling)
• Platinum Preferred FL Contractor Roofing Installation In 2023.

The Villages - Skylight Roofing Inc. (https://skylightroofing.com/the-villages/)

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/roofing-438/skylight-roofing-328367/

Sky Light Roofing, Inc. - Lady Lake, FL - Nextdoor (https://nextdoor.com/pages/sky-light-roofing-inc-the-villages-fl/)

Sky Light Roofing Inc. Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of skylightroofing.com (https://www.trustpilot.com/review/skylightroofing.com)

Sky Light Roofing, INC | Roofing Contractor | Owens Corning (https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/contractors/contractor-profile/216266)

https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/orlando/profile/roofing-contractors/sky-light-roofing-inc-0733-90201209

Trusted because our loving Villages neighbors voted Skylight Roofing Villages the “Favorite Roofer in The Villages” in 2023. We have humbly looked to achieve that same goal for best price and quality in 2024.
__________________

Brent Maloy - Senior Villages Roofing Management - Skylight Roofing Villages, FL - 407-790-6755The OP question was what is the roofing scam. It MOST CERTAINLY does exist. Homeowners should understand this.

The warranty problem is a different issue entirely. It does not involve the insurance companies. Thanks for the detailed clarification.

[Two Bills]

I was just walking my neighborhood, the new section of village of Charlotte, and noticed on rabbit run six homes out of 13 had assigned roofing by skylight roofing. These homes must be less than 10 years old. This sounds like a scam to me.

The OP question was what is the roofing scam. It MOST CERTAINLY does exist. Homeowners should understand this.

The warranty problem is a different issue entirely. It does not involve the insurance companies. Thanks for the detailed clarification.

No one is disputing the scam exists, but when posters possibly libel a business, as in post #10, the business concerned is entitled to apology, and the means to correct the damaging statement.
Off subject or not.

[Randall55]

No one is disputing the scam exists, but when posters possibly libel a business, as in post #10, the business concerned is entitled to apology, and the means to correct the damaging statement.
Off subject or not. I agree! I was merely explaining roofing scams DO exist. I do not want any homeowner to fall victim. Whenever ANYONE comes to your door and asks for your insurance information, be suspicious. Replacement of shingles due to a warranty issue is not a scam. No one will ask for your insurance provider. It is a BIG DIFfERENCE.

[Two Bills]

It is a BIG DIFfERENCE.

So is naming a business as a scammer without any evidence.
That is libel.

[Sabella]

I was just walking my neighborhood, the new section of village of Charlotte, and noticed on rabbit run six homes out of 13 had assigned roofing by skylight roofing. These homes must be less than 10 years old. This sounds like a scam to me.

The only roofing scam going on these days is by the house insurance companies

[Lovey2]

Those roofs being replaced are due to a manufacturers defect on the shingles. The manufacturer, came out (Certainteed) and checked the shingles and found the defect to be true. Insurance is not involved here. The manufacturer, because of the defect, paid the homeowner direct the cost of labor and new shingles. The homeowner pays the rest.certainteed roofs are under warranty for 10 years. Exactly! Insurance had nothing to do with the roofs beibg replaced. Also, If the manufacturer says the roof needs replacing and gives the shingles to the contractor and pays labor costs, how is this a scam?

[collie1228]

Whatever happened to adjusters showing up at your house to check the roof? Seems to me that a $8K+ claim would trigger a review by an adjuster, especially when the roofing scam is so prevalent. It sounds like the insurance companies are negligent in their due dilligence.

[RalphTheElder]

I would like to thank everyone for their replies.

This has been very educational for me.